AlphaDogg

Since I just turned 18, I just got a job at Performance Bikes. I've been wanting to get a job at my local PBS for the past couple years and the managers there love me. So once I turned 18, I submitted my job application, interviewed, and got the job! Anyway... Once my 60 day probationary period is up, I get an employee discount and access to channels to get prodeals. I'm hoping that means $50/pair GP4000S


Anyway... Once I have some money saved up, the first upgrade I'm going to do on my bike will be wheels. The second upgrade will be 11 speed electronic Ultegra, but that's for another thread... I currently have a really old set of Mavic Cosmos on my bike and for the most part, I like them. I threw them on there because I got them for a really great deal a while back. But I want new wheels now. Something light, but strong enough to support my 145# body. I'll keep my Cosmos as my "beater" wheels, but I want something nice for fast paced road rides.


Here are the characteristics that I'm looking for in a new pair of wheels:

• Bladed spokes (unless they really are just overrated windcatchers, as my coworker says)
• Lightweight
• 11 speed compatible
• Loud freehub
• Around $1k

Ksyriums?

tangerineowl

Soul s2.0 ? - around $600-$650
I'm 130lbs, have had a set on for almost a year, like them a lot.
They are very, very stiff.

Some may bag them though.

These wheels tick off all your points mentioned, apart from the 11 spd compatability.
You might want to email Sean at Soul about that question.

AlphaDogg

11spd compatibility is very important to me in a wheelset...

I forgot to mention I wouldn't mind going tubular and I'm also not opposed to custom building some wheels, if people want to recommend some good hubs and rims.

bahula03

There are almost too many options based on your criteria. Are you looking for aluminum, carbon, are you limiting the search to what you'll be able to get a discount on...?

jmess

Shimano Dura Ace 9000 C24s. You can find them for 750-800.

BoSoxYacht

Now that you work for Performance, start completing your 3.5 + S-TEC certification. That is where you will get your best deals.


<edit> S-TEC is Shimano's online tech school program. Performance will encourage/require you to enroll in the program.

You will receive points for every completed S-TEC module. The more points you earn, the better the prices get.

gc3

He wants loud. These are great wheels, but they run silent.